Team Lead Veterinarian, Emergency

About the Role

Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre is seeking a full-time Team Lead Veterinarian to join their 24-hour emergency department. This role offers something increasingly rare in emergency medicine: a long-term career path with a sustainable shift-rotation schedule and a stimulating yet manageable caseload. You'll work alongside a team of three Criticalists, leading by example while mentoring colleagues and fostering a collaborative, educational environment.

The position involves rotational overnight and weekend shifts distributed across the team to ensure balanced workload and improved hospital experience. Your leadership will help shape a culture of respect, productivity, and genuine support—a place where emergency vets can build a real career without sacrificing their wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor emergency veterinarians within the 24-hour department
• Provide direct patient care in emergency and critical care cases, with special focus on trauma and critical care medicine
• Contribute to scheduling and team coordination to maintain equitable workload distribution
• Champion team-based medicine practice and collaborative clinical decision-making
• Maintain exceptional standards in client communication and service delivery
• Support professional development and educational opportunities for the emergency team

Requirements

• Valid DVM from an accredited university
• Genuine passion for emergency medicine with special interest in trauma and critical care
• Demonstrated commitment to team-based medicine practice
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with colleagues and pet parents
• Strong coaching and mentoring abilities
• Previous experience with scheduling and mentoring (an asset)

Benefits

• RRSP Employer 5% Match Program
• Competitive wages and benefits package
• Annual uniform allowance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Referral Bonus Rewards
• Generous personal pet care discounts
• Shopping discounts and wellness apps
• Exceptional career development opportunities
• Community involvement initiatives through VCA Canada
• Culture of wellness and appreciation

About the Practice

Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre (WVSEC), founded in 2001, is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to serving the emergency and specialist needs of Calgary veterinarians and pet owners. WVSEC operates as part of VCA Canada, a network of veterinary hospitals across the country with its head office in Calgary. The practice is committed to providing cutting-edge emergency and critical care services.

VCA Canada, which became part of the Mars Veterinary Health family in 2017, employs over 4,000 veterinary professionals across Canada and has been recognized as one of Alberta's Top Employers for the third consecutive year (2026). The organization is dedicated to supporting a diverse, inclusive workplace and fostering industry-leading professional development for its associates.